Worthing Family Photographer

Natural, Unposed Family Portraits on the Sussex Coast

Natural, relaxed family photography in Worthing, Shoreham, Lancing and across the Sussex coast.

No forced smiles, no stiff poses - just genuine connection, laughter, and the real moments that make your family uniquely yours.

Whether it's on Worthing beach, in the South Downs, or at home, sessions are calm, flexible, and designed to feel easy for everyone - including the little ones.

Worthing family photo session on the beach, candid and natural. Award-winning family photography in Worthing, Lancing, Shoreham and across Sussex.
Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with light green leaves against a transparent background.

relaxed, natural, and authentic family portraits

Not a fan of having your photo taken?

Most people aren't. But somewhere between arriving and leaving, something shifts - the kids do something ridiculous, someone laughs, you forget I'm there.

That's the bit I'm waiting for. That's what ends up on your wall.

Worthing family photographer photographing parents and daughter on bench at West Wittering beach in West Sussex.
Worthing family portrait with the grandparents during a little walk up the hill in West Sussex, South Downs.

meet your Worthing family photographer.

Hi, I'm Irma, a family & newborn photographer based in Sussex.

I work with families across Worthing, Shoreham, Lancing and the surrounding area - on the beach, in local parks, in the South Downs, or at home.

My approach is relaxed and unobtrusive; I'm there to document your family as it actually is, not a polished version of it.

Professional family photographer Irma Arrowsmith, based in Worthing, West Sussex.
Watercolor illustration of a eucalyptus branch with multiple light green oval-shaped leaves on a transparent background.
Black and white photograph of a person sitting on a bench, wearing a coat and hat, with trees in the background.

Whether you’re celebrating the arrival of your baby or want to capture the joy of family life as it grows and changes, I’ll come to you, at home, on the beach, or wherever feels most like your place.

Award-winning West Sussex family photographer with her own daughter Ivy. Natural at home family photography in Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham.
West Sussex family photographer capturing unposed candid family portrait in Cissbury Ring, Worthing, whilst on a little outdoor country walk.

Where We Can Shoot in Worthing

Worthing Beach & Seafront

Worthing's seafront is hard to beat - wide open sky, the pier stretching out to sea, and enough space for kids to just run. It works in any season, and the unpredictability of being outside tends to produce the most natural shots.

Beach House Park

One of my favourite Worthing locations, Beach House Park offers open green space, mature trees, and a relaxed setting that works brilliantly for families with younger children. There's room to wander, explore, and just be yourselves - which is exactly how I like to work.

Cissbury Ring & the South Downs

For families who love the outdoors, Cissbury Ring offers sweeping views across West Sussex and a wild, open landscape that gives family photos a real sense of space and freedom. It's especially stunning in late summer when the light turns golden and the hills glow. A short drive from Worthing town centre, it's well worth the journey.

Highdown Gardens

If you're after something a little different, Highdown Gardens provides a more intimate, sheltered setting with beautiful seasonal colour. It's a wonderful option in spring when the flowers are in bloom, and suits families who prefer something quieter and more tucked-away.

At Home in Worthing

Some of my most meaningful sessions happen indoors - morning pancakes, a little trip to your local playground, the chaos of bedtime stories. If your home is where your family feels most themselves, an at-home session in Worthing can capture a side of family life that outdoor shoots simply can't.

A black and white illustration of a woman with long hair, wearing a dress, holding a flower, and standing on a patch of grass.
Shoreham beach family photo session with grandparents, portrait taken by award-winning Worthing family photographer.
West Sussex family photographer capturing unposed candid siblings portrait of children playing on rocks in Highdown Gardens.

WHY Worthing FAMILIES CHOOSE ME

✔️ No Studio, No Stress. I come to you, so everyone stays relaxed and real

✔️ Baby-Led & Child-Friendly. Sessions move at your pace, with plenty of breaks and play

✔️ Natural, Artistic, Documentary Style. No stiff posing or props, just honest, beautiful storytelling

✔️ Authentic Memories. Family photographs that capture feeling, not just faces

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  • “Thank you so much for the photoshoot we had such as great time- you made us feel so comfortable throughout the session and it shows in the photos. I watched the video with Riz this morning and I just burst into tears (joyful tears!) You captured our everyday moments and made them so special- we love the photos so much! Yay I finally have some nice picture with all four of us- truly special”

    Rosalind P. - Worthing

  • “Irma joined us at my mother's 90th birthday celebration. We wanted to capture the occasion for all of us but particularly for my mother, to remember this special day. We had family members from the ages of 1 to 90 and we couldn't be happier with Irma's photos. We had asked for a mix of informal photos and more formal groups and both are perfect. She has captured the sense of fun and celebration and we all have photos that we will treasure.”

    Julia A. - Lancing

  • “Irma was a delight to work with. She responded quickly to our enquiry and scheduled a photoshoot that fit with our schedule. She put us at complete ease and captured treasured memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. Nothing was too much for her and we look forward to marking more milestones further down the line.”

    Zaza B. - Shoreham

  • Natural Family Photography in Worthing, family on a little hike in the South Downs.

    Family Photography

    Natural family photography in Worthing. Just be yourselves, and I’ll capture the moments, connections, and emotions that make family life special.

    I photograph families at home and outdoors, usually without posing, but I might give gentle guidance for authentic shots.

    Sessions take place across Worthing and the surrounding area - the seafront, Brooklands Park, Beach House Park, the South Downs, or at home. Wherever your family feels most comfortable.

  • Family photographer Worthing capturing newborn baby boy getting changed by both of his parents. At home newborn photography in West Sussex.

    Newborn Photography

    Capture your newborn’s growth during their first months. I enjoy newborn photo shoots and feel honoured to be part of new families' journeys.

    If you want natural newborn photography with a documentary style, I’m your Worthing newborn photographer!

    I take my time during the shoot, focusing on your baby’s needs. We can mostly do the session at home, but we can also go outside if you prefer.

  • Maternity photography in Worthing. Sussex maternity photographer capturing woman's pregnant belly at home, sitting in chair with cat.

    Maternity Photography

    Are you pregnant and considering a maternity photoshoot but feel uneasy about posing for the camera?

    A maternity session can be relaxed and enjoyable, with very little posing needed.

    I would love to capture this special moment naturally for you. I work all over Sussex, including Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham.

  • Kids birthday party photographer Worthing. Sussex Birthday party photographer specialising in unposed party photography with a documentary approach to event photography.

    Childrens Party Photographer

    I can capture special moments like first birthdays, small weddings, anniversaries, and family milestones.

    My photos have a documentary style, and with my photojournalistic approach, you don't need to worry about anything.

    I shoot spontaneous moments, so there's nothing to prepare.

Watercolor illustration of a leafy branch with elongated leaves on a black background.

 Faqs

  • Mostly outdoors - the beach, seafront, Brooklands Park, Beach House Park, and the South Downs are all popular options.

    If you'd prefer something more relaxed and private, home sessions work really well too. I'm happy to suggest locations based on your family and the time of year.

  • Most family sessions are around 1.5–2 hours. That might sound like a lot, but it goes quickly - especially with little ones who need time to warm up and do their own thing before the good stuff happens.

  • Yes. Uncooperative kids make for the best photos. I'm not looking for everyone to stand still and smile - I'm looking for what actually happens when you're together. The running off, the sulking, the silly faces. That's the real stuff.

  • Honestly, any season works. Spring and autumn tend to offer the best light, and the beach is surprisingly good in winter when it's quiet and atmospheric. Summer works well too, just avoid the middle of the day when the light is harsh.

  • Whatever you'd actually wear on a nice day out. Coordinated outfits aren't necessary - just avoid large logos or anything that feels like a costume. Relaxed and comfortable always photographs better than smart and stiff.

  • Just get in touch via the contact page with your preferred dates and a bit about your family. I'll come back to you to confirm availability and talk through the details.

A person holding a newborn baby, with the child resting on the person's shoulder, showing the baby's back and tiny hand. The adult's tattooed arm and hand are visible. Worthing newborn baby photography.
A young girl in a swimsuit and pink headband standing on a sandy beach near the ocean, with weathered wooden posts casting shadows nearby, and a partly cloudy sky above. Documentary style family photography in Worthing, West Sussex.

ready to book your Worthing family photo session?

I’d love to capture your family’s everyday moments and create images full of life and love.

Let’s chat about your session and plan something special.